# Official Journal L 151/2020

| | ISSN 1977-0677 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 151 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 6314 May 2020 |

ISSN 1977-0677

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 151

English edition

Legislation

Volume 6314 May 2020

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| Contents | | II   Non-legislative acts | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/645 of 7 May 2020 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Pataca de Galicia/Patata de Galicia (PGI)) | 1 |
| | * | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/646 of 13 May 2020 approving the active substance Lavandulyl senecioate as a low-risk substance in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 (
  1
  ) | 3 |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | * | Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/647 of 11 May 2020 authorising the Italian Republic to apply a special measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax | 7 |
| | | RECOMMENDATIONS |
| | * | Commission Recommendation (EU) 2020/648 of 13 May 2020 on vouchers offered to passengers and travellers as an alternative to reimbursement for cancelled package travel and transport services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic | 10 |

Contents

II   Non-legislative acts

page

REGULATIONS

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/645 of 7 May 2020 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Pataca de Galicia/Patata de Galicia (PGI))

1

*

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/646 of 13 May 2020 approving the active substance Lavandulyl senecioate as a low-risk substance in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 (
  1
  )

1

3

DECISIONS

*

Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/647 of 11 May 2020 authorising the Italian Republic to apply a special measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax

7

RECOMMENDATIONS

*

Commission Recommendation (EU) 2020/648 of 13 May 2020 on vouchers offered to passengers and travellers as an alternative to reimbursement for cancelled package travel and transport services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

10

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| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance. |

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(1)   Text with EEA relevance.

1

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
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EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

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II Non-legislative acts

REGULATIONS

| 14.5.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 151/1 |
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14.5.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 151/1

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/645

of 7 May 2020

approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’ (PGI))

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1), and in particular Article 52(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined Spain’s application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’, registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 148/2007 (2), as amended by Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1366/2011 (3). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 53(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission has examined Spain’s application for the approval of amendments to the specification for the protected geographical indication ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia’, registered under Commission Regulation (EC) No 148/2007 (2), as amended by Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1366/2011 (3).

| (2) | Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union (4) as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Since the amendments in question are not minor within the meaning of Article 53(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012, the Commission published the amendment application in the Official Journal of the European Union (4) as required by Article 50(2)(a) of that Regulation.

| (3) | As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

As no statement of opposition under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 has been received by the Commission, the amendments to the specification should be approved,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The amendments to the specification published in the Official Journal of the European Union regarding the name ‘Pataca de Galicia’/‘Patata de Galicia ’ (PGI) are hereby approved.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 7 May 2020.

For the Commission,

On behalf of the President,

Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI

Member of the Commission

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(1)  
  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

1

(2)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 148/2007 of 15 February 2007 registering certain names in the Register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications (Geraardsbergse mattentaart (PGI) – Pataca de Galicia or Patata de Galicia (PGI) – Poniente de Granada (PDO) – Gata-Hurdes (PDO) – Patatas de Prades or Patates de Prades (PGI) – Mantequilla de Soria (PDO) – Huile d’olive de Nîmes (PDO) – Huile d’olive de Corse or Huile d’olive de Corse-Oliu di Corsica (PDO) – Clémentine de Corse (PGI) – Agneau de Sisteron (PGI) – Connemara Hill Lamb or Uain Sléibhe Chonamara (PGI) – Sardegna (PDO) – Carota dell’Altopiano del Fucino (PGI) – Stelvio or Stilfser (PDO) – Limone Femminello del Gargano (PGI) – Azeitonas de Conserva de Elvas e Campo Maior (PDO) – Chouriça de Carne de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) – Chouriço de Abóbora de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) – Sangueira de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) – Batata de Trás-os-Montes (PGI) – Salpicão de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) – Alheira de Barroso-Montalegre (PGI) – Cordeiro de Barroso, Anho de Barroso or Borrego de leite de Barroso (PGI) – Azeite do Alentejo Interior (PDO) – Paio de Beja (PGI) – Linguíça do Baixo Alentejo or Chouriço de carne do Baixo Alentejo (PGI) – Ekstra deviško oljčno olje Slovenske Istre (PDO)) (OJ L 46, 16.2.2007, p. 14).

2

(3)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1366/2011 of 19 December 2011 approving non-minor amendments to the specification for a name entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected geographical indications [Pataca de Galicia/Patata de Galicia (PGI)] (OJ L 341, 22.12.2011, p. 29).

3

(4)  
  OJ C 434, 27.12.2019, p. 11.

4

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| 14.5.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 151/3 |
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14.5.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 151/3

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COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/646

of 13 May 2020

approving the active substance Lavandulyl senecioate as a low-risk substance in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market, and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC (1), and in particular Article 13(2) in conjunction with Article 22(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 Suterra Europe Biocontrol S.L. submitted to Italy on 17 July 2015 an application for the approval of the active substance Lavandulyl senecioate. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 Suterra Europe Biocontrol S.L. submitted to Italy on 17 July 2015 an application for the approval of the active substance Lavandulyl senecioate.

| (2) | In accordance with Article 9(3) of that Regulation, Italy, as rapporteur Member State, notified the applicant, the other Member States, the Commission and the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) of the admissibility of the application on 29 December 2016. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In accordance with Article 9(3) of that Regulation, Italy, as rapporteur Member State, notified the applicant, the other Member States, the Commission and the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) of the admissibility of the application on 29 December 2016.

| (3) | On 22 August 2017 the rapporteur Member State submitted a draft assessment report to the Commission with a copy to the Authority, assessing whether that active substance can be expected to meet the approval criteria provided for in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 22 August 2017 the rapporteur Member State submitted a draft assessment report to the Commission with a copy to the Authority, assessing whether that active substance can be expected to meet the approval criteria provided for in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.

| (4) | The Authority complied with Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. In accordance with Article 12(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, it requested that the applicant supply additional information to the Member States, the Commission and the Authority. The assessment of the additional information by the rapporteur Member State was submitted to the Authority in the format of an updated draft assessment report on 9 October 2018. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Authority complied with Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. In accordance with Article 12(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, it requested that the applicant supply additional information to the Member States, the Commission and the Authority. The assessment of the additional information by the rapporteur Member State was submitted to the Authority in the format of an updated draft assessment report on 9 October 2018.

| (5) | On 4 January 2019 the Authority communicated to the applicant, the Member States and the Commission its conclusion (2) on whether the active substance Lavandulyl senecioate can be expected to meet the approval criteria provided for in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. The Authority made its conclusion available to the public. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

On 4 January 2019 the Authority communicated to the applicant, the Member States and the Commission its conclusion (2) on whether the active substance Lavandulyl senecioate can be expected to meet the approval criteria provided for in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. The Authority made its conclusion available to the public.

| (6) | On 22 October 2019 the Commission presented to the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed the review report for Lavandulyl senecioate and on 23 March 2020 a draft Regulation providing that Lavandulyl senecioate is approved. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

On 22 October 2019 the Commission presented to the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed the review report for Lavandulyl senecioate and on 23 March 2020 a draft Regulation providing that Lavandulyl senecioate is approved.

| (7) | The applicant was given the possibility to submit comments on the review report. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The applicant was given the possibility to submit comments on the review report.

| (8) | It has been established with respect to one or more representative uses of at least one plant protection product containing the active substance, and in particular the uses which were examined and detailed in the review report, that the approval criteria provided for in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 are satisfied. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

It has been established with respect to one or more representative uses of at least one plant protection product containing the active substance, and in particular the uses which were examined and detailed in the review report, that the approval criteria provided for in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 are satisfied.

| (9) | The Commission further considers that Lavandulyl senecioate is a low-risk active substance pursuant to Article 22 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Lavandulyl senecioate is not a substance of concern and fulfils the conditions set in point 5.1.3 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The Commission further considers that Lavandulyl senecioate is a low-risk active substance pursuant to Article 22 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. Lavandulyl senecioate is not a substance of concern and fulfils the conditions set in point 5.1.3 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009.

| (10) | It is therefore appropriate to approve Lavandulyl senecioate as a low-risk substance. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

It is therefore appropriate to approve Lavandulyl senecioate as a low-risk substance.

| (11) | In accordance with Article 13(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 in conjunction with Article 6 thereof and in the light of current scientific and technical knowledge, it is, however, necessary to provide certain conditions. |
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(11)

In accordance with Article 13(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 in conjunction with Article 6 thereof and in the light of current scientific and technical knowledge, it is, however, necessary to provide certain conditions.

| (12) | In accordance with Article 13(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 (3) should be amended accordingly. |
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(12)

In accordance with Article 13(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 (3) should be amended accordingly.

| (13) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Approval of the active substance

The active substance Lavandulyl senecioate, as specified in Annex I, is approved subject to the conditions laid down in that Annex.

Article 2

Amendments to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011

Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 is amended in accordance with Annex II to this Regulation.

Article 3

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Official Journal of the European Union

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 13 May 2020.

For the Commission

The President

Ursula VON DER LEYEN

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(1)  
  OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1.

1

(2)  
  EFSA Journal 2020;18(3):5588.

2

EFSA Journal

(3)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 of 25 May 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the list of approved active substances (OJ L 153, 11.6.2011, p. 1).

3

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ANNEX I

| Common Name, Identification Numbers | IUPAC Name | Purity (1) | Date of approval | Expiration of approval | Specific provisions |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Lavandulyl senecioate
  CAS No: 23960-07-8
  CIPAC No: n.a. | (RS)-5-methyl-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)hex-4-en-1-yl 3-methylbut-2-enoate | ≥ 894 g/kg | 3 June 2020 | 3 June 2035 | For the implementation of the uniform principles, as referred to in Article 29(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, the conclusions of the review report on Lavandulyl senecioate, and in particular Appendices I and II thereto, shall be taken into account.
  Member State shall assess any extension of the use pattern beyond passive dispensers, in order to establish whether the proposed extensions of use fulfil the requirements of Article 29(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and of the uniform principles laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 546/2011 (2). |

Common Name, Identification Numbers

IUPAC Name

Purity (1)

Date of approval

Expiration of approval

Specific provisions

Lavandulyl senecioate

CAS No: 23960-07-8

CIPAC No: n.a.

(RS)-5-methyl-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)hex-4-en-1-yl 3-methylbut-2-enoate

≥ 894 g/kg

3 June 2020

3 June 2035

For the implementation of the uniform principles, as referred to in Article 29(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, the conclusions of the review report on Lavandulyl senecioate, and in particular Appendices I and II thereto, shall be taken into account.

Member State shall assess any extension of the use pattern beyond passive dispensers, in order to establish whether the proposed extensions of use fulfil the requirements of Article 29(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and of the uniform principles laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 546/2011 (2).

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(1)  Further details on identity and specification of active substance are provided in the review report.

(2)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 546/2011 of 10 June 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards uniform principles for evaluation and authorisation of plant protection products (OJ L 155, 11.6.2011, p. 127).

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ANNEX II

In Part D of the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011, the following entry is added:

| ‘19 | Lavandulyl senecioate
  CAS No: 23960-07-8
  CIPAC No: n.a. | (RS)-5-methyl-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)hex-4-en-1-yl 3-methylbut-2-enoate | ≥ 894 g/kg | 3 June 2020 | 3 June 2035 | For the implementation of the uniform principles as referred to in Article 29(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, the conclusions of the review report on Lavandulyl senecioate, and in particular Appendices I and II thereto, shall be taken into account.
  Member State shall assess any extension of the use pattern beyond passive dispensers, in order to establish whether the proposed extensions of use fulfil the requirements of Article 29(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and of the uniform principles laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 546/2011 (*1). |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

‘19

Lavandulyl senecioate

CAS No: 23960-07-8

CIPAC No: n.a.

(RS)-5-methyl-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)hex-4-en-1-yl 3-methylbut-2-enoate

≥ 894 g/kg

3 June 2020

3 June 2035

For the implementation of the uniform principles as referred to in Article 29(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, the conclusions of the review report on Lavandulyl senecioate, and in particular Appendices I and II thereto, shall be taken into account.

Member State shall assess any extension of the use pattern beyond passive dispensers, in order to establish whether the proposed extensions of use fulfil the requirements of Article 29(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and of the uniform principles laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 546/2011 (*1).

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(*1)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 546/2011 of 10 June 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards uniform principles for evaluation and authorisation of plant protection products (OJ L 155, 11.6.2011, p. 127).’

*1

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DECISIONS

| 14.5.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 151/7 |
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14.5.2020

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Official Journal of the European Union

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COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2020/647

of 11 May 2020

authorising the Italian Republic to apply a special measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (1), and in particular the first subparagraph of Article 395(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | Pursuant to the first paragraph of Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC, Member States which have not exercised the option under Article 14 of Council Directive 67/228/EEC (2) may exempt from value added tax ('VAT') taxable persons whose annual turnover is no higher than EUR 5 000 or the equivalent in national currency. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Pursuant to the first paragraph of Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC, Member States which have not exercised the option under Article 14 of Council Directive 67/228/EEC (2) may exempt from value added tax ('VAT') taxable persons whose annual turnover is no higher than EUR 5 000 or the equivalent in national currency.

| (2) | By Council Decision 2008/737/EC (3), Italy was authorised to apply a special measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC ('the derogating measure') to exempt from VAT taxable persons whose annual turnover was no higher than EUR 30 000. The derogating measure was authorised until 31 December 2010. |
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(2)

By Council Decision 2008/737/EC (3), Italy was authorised to apply a special measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC ('the derogating measure') to exempt from VAT taxable persons whose annual turnover was no higher than EUR 30 000. The derogating measure was authorised until 31 December 2010.

| (3) | By Council Implementing Decision 2010/688/EU (4), Italy was authorised to continue to apply the derogating measure until 31 December 2013. |
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(3)

By Council Implementing Decision 2010/688/EU (4), Italy was authorised to continue to apply the derogating measure until 31 December 2013.

| (4) | By Council Implementing Decision 2013/678/EU (5), Italy was authorised to continue to apply the derogating measure until 31 December 2016. The annual turnover threshold was increased to EUR 65 000. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

By Council Implementing Decision 2013/678/EU (5), Italy was authorised to continue to apply the derogating measure until 31 December 2016. The annual turnover threshold was increased to EUR 65 000.

| (5) | By Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1988 (6), the validity of the authorisation to apply derogating measure was extended until 31 December 2019, or until the entry into force of a directive amending Articles 281 to 294 of Directive 2006/112/EC on a special scheme for small enterprises, whichever was the earlier. On 18 February 2020, the Council adopted Directive (EU) 2020/285 (7) amending Articles 281 to 294 of Directive 2006/112/EC as regards the special scheme for small enterprises. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

By Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1988 (6), the validity of the authorisation to apply derogating measure was extended until 31 December 2019, or until the entry into force of a directive amending Articles 281 to 294 of Directive 2006/112/EC on a special scheme for small enterprises, whichever was the earlier. On 18 February 2020, the Council adopted Directive (EU) 2020/285 (7) amending Articles 281 to 294 of Directive 2006/112/EC as regards the special scheme for small enterprises.

| (6) | By letter registered with the Commission on 26 July 2019, Italy requested authorisation to continue to apply the derogating measure after 31 December 2019 as well as to increase the threshold and the scope of the exemption. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

By letter registered with the Commission on 26 July 2019, Italy requested authorisation to continue to apply the derogating measure after 31 December 2019 as well as to increase the threshold and the scope of the exemption.

| (7) | By letter dated 20 September 2019, the Commission informed the other Member States, pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 395(2) of Directive 2006/112/EC, of the request made by Italy. By letter dated 23 September 2019, the Commission notified Italy that it had all the information necessary to consider the request. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

By letter dated 20 September 2019, the Commission informed the other Member States, pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 395(2) of Directive 2006/112/EC, of the request made by Italy. By letter dated 23 September 2019, the Commission notified Italy that it had all the information necessary to consider the request.

| (8) | By letter registered with the Commission on 5 December 2019, Italy revised its request; requesting authorisation only to continue to apply the derogating measure until 31 December 2024. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

By letter registered with the Commission on 5 December 2019, Italy revised its request; requesting authorisation only to continue to apply the derogating measure until 31 December 2024.

| (9) | By letter dated 10 December 2019, the Commission informed the other Member States, pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 395(2) of Directive 2006/112/EC, of the revised request of Italy. By letter dated 11 December 2019, the Commission notified Italy that it had all the information necessary to consider the revised request. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

By letter dated 10 December 2019, the Commission informed the other Member States, pursuant to the second subparagraph of Article 395(2) of Directive 2006/112/EC, of the revised request of Italy. By letter dated 11 December 2019, the Commission notified Italy that it had all the information necessary to consider the revised request.

| (10) | From the information provided by Italy, it appears that the reasons for the derogating measure remain largely unchanged. The derogating measure reduces the administrative burden and compliance costs both for small enterprises and for tax authorities and it therefore helps to simplify the procedure for collecting VAT. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

From the information provided by Italy, it appears that the reasons for the derogating measure remain largely unchanged. The derogating measure reduces the administrative burden and compliance costs both for small enterprises and for tax authorities and it therefore helps to simplify the procedure for collecting VAT.

| (11) | The derogating measure is and will remain optional for taxable persons. Taxable persons will still be able to opt for the normal VAT arrangements in accordance with Article 290 of Directive 2006/112/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The derogating measure is and will remain optional for taxable persons. Taxable persons will still be able to opt for the normal VAT arrangements in accordance with Article 290 of Directive 2006/112/EC.

| (12) | According to information provided by Italy, the derogating measure will have only a negligible effect on the overall amount of the tax revenue of Italy collected at the stage of final consumption. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

According to information provided by Italy, the derogating measure will have only a negligible effect on the overall amount of the tax revenue of Italy collected at the stage of final consumption.

| (13) | The derogating measure will not adversely affect the Union's own resources accruing from VAT because Italy will carry out a compensation calculation in accordance with Article 6 of Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1553/89 (8). |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The derogating measure will not adversely affect the Union's own resources accruing from VAT because Italy will carry out a compensation calculation in accordance with Article 6 of Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1553/89 (8).

| (14) | Given the potential positive impact of the derogating measure in reducing the administrative burden and compliance costs for small businesses and for the tax authorities, and the lack of any major impact on the total VAT revenue generated, Italy should be authorised to apply the derogating measure for a further period. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Given the potential positive impact of the derogating measure in reducing the administrative burden and compliance costs for small businesses and for the tax authorities, and the lack of any major impact on the total VAT revenue generated, Italy should be authorised to apply the derogating measure for a further period.

| (15) | The authorisation to apply the derogating measure should be limited in time. The time limit should be sufficient to allow the effectiveness and appropriateness of the threshold to be evaluated. Moreover, Directive (EU) 2020/285 provides that Member States are to adopt and publish, by 31 December 2024, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with Article 1 of that Directive, and apply those provisions from 1 January 2025. It is therefore appropriate to authorise Italy to apply the derogating measure until 31 December 2024. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The authorisation to apply the derogating measure should be limited in time. The time limit should be sufficient to allow the effectiveness and appropriateness of the threshold to be evaluated. Moreover, Directive (EU) 2020/285 provides that Member States are to adopt and publish, by 31 December 2024, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with Article 1 of that Directive, and apply those provisions from 1 January 2025. It is therefore appropriate to authorise Italy to apply the derogating measure until 31 December 2024.

| (16) | In order to ensure that the objectives pursued by the derogating measure are achieved and that its application does not create legal uncertainty with regard to the current tax period, it is appropriate that this Decision apply from 1 January 2020, |
| --- | --- |

(16)

In order to ensure that the objectives pursued by the derogating measure are achieved and that its application does not create legal uncertainty with regard to the current tax period, it is appropriate that this Decision apply from 1 January 2020,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

By way of derogation from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC, Italy is authorised to exempt from VAT taxable persons whose annual turnover is no higher than EUR 65 000.

Italy may increase that threshold in order to maintain the value of the exemption in real terms.

Article 2

This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2020 until 31 December 2024.

Article 3

This Decision is addressed to the Italian Republic.

Done at Brussels, 11 May 2020.

For the Council

The President

G. GRLIĆ RADMAN

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(1)  
  OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1.

1

(2)  Second Council Directive 67/228/EEC of 11 April 1967 on the harmonisation of legislation of Member States concerning turnover taxes – Structure and procedures for application of the common system of value added tax (OJ 71, 14.4.1967, p. 1303/67).

2

(3)  Council Decision 2008/737/EC of 15 September 2008 authorising the Italian Republic to apply a measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 249, 18.9.2008, p. 13).

3

(4)  Council Implementing Decision 2010/688/EU of 15 October 2010 authorising the Italian Republic to continue to apply a special measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 294, 12.11.2010, p. 12).

4

(5)  Council Implementing Decision 2013/678/EU of 15 November 2013 authorising the Italian Republic to continue to apply a special measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 316, 27.11.2013, p. 35).

5

(6)  Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1988 of 8 November 2016 amending Implementing Decision 2013/678/EU authorising the Italian Republic to continue to apply a special measure derogating from Article 285 of Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 306, 15.11.2016, p. 11).

6

(7)  Council Directive (EU) 2020/285 of 18 February 2020 amending Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax as regards the special scheme for small enterprises and Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 as regards the administrative cooperation and exchange of information for the purpose of monitoring the correct application of the special scheme for small enterprises (OJ L 62, 2.3.2020, p. 13).

7

(8)  Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1553/89 of 29 May 1989 on the definitive uniform arrangements for the collection of own resources accruing from value added tax (OJ L 155, 7.6.1989, p. 9).

8

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RECOMMENDATIONS

| 14.5.2020 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 151/10 |
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14.5.2020

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 151/10

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COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (EU) 2020/648

of 13 May 2020

on vouchers offered to passengers and travellers as an alternative to reimbursement for cancelled package travel and transport services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 292 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ and, on 11 March 2020, characterised it as a pandemic (1). The consequent serious impact on international and domestic travel, both for business and leisure, has been pervasive in Europe and the rest of the world since 1 March 2020. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ and, on 11 March 2020, characterised it as a pandemic (1). The consequent serious impact on international and domestic travel, both for business and leisure, has been pervasive in Europe and the rest of the world since 1 March 2020.

| (2) | The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in national travel bans as well as warnings or restrictions at borders. This has led to a vast number of cancellations and many citizens being unable to travel. The current unprecedented worldwide travel restrictions (2) have caused almost a standstill of travel in Europe and many other parts of the world. This is having a serious impact on carriers, organisers of package tours (‘organisers’), and providers of other tourism services as part of package tours. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in national travel bans as well as warnings or restrictions at borders. This has led to a vast number of cancellations and many citizens being unable to travel. The current unprecedented worldwide travel restrictions (2) have caused almost a standstill of travel in Europe and many other parts of the world. This is having a serious impact on carriers, organisers of package tours (‘organisers’), and providers of other tourism services as part of package tours.

| (3) | At the same time, many passengers and travellers have been affected by the economic impact of the crisis and have seen their income reduced as a result of the curtailment of economic activities which impacts the prospects of both employers and employees (3). |
| --- | --- |

(3)

At the same time, many passengers and travellers have been affected by the economic impact of the crisis and have seen their income reduced as a result of the curtailment of economic activities which impacts the prospects of both employers and employees (3).

| (4) | The travel and tourism sectors in the Union report a reduction of bookings in the range of 60 % to 90 % compared to the same period last year. Refund requests from travellers due to cancellations far exceed the level of new bookings. According to preliminary estimates of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA), the COVID-19 pandemic may cause a loss of EUR 30 billion (minus 60 %) in the first quarter of 2020 and EUR 46 billion (minus 90 %) in the second quarter, compared to expected turnover based on previous years. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The travel and tourism sectors in the Union report a reduction of bookings in the range of 60 % to 90 % compared to the same period last year. Refund requests from travellers due to cancellations far exceed the level of new bookings. According to preliminary estimates of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA), the COVID-19 pandemic may cause a loss of EUR 30 billion (minus 60 %) in the first quarter of 2020 and EUR 46 billion (minus 90 %) in the second quarter, compared to expected turnover based on previous years.

| (5) | Carriers in all modes of transport are faced with a sharp decline in their business and nearly a complete standstill of their operations. This is resulting in a reduction of their cash-flow, due to the COVID-19 pandemic (4). |
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(5)

Carriers in all modes of transport are faced with a sharp decline in their business and nearly a complete standstill of their operations. This is resulting in a reduction of their cash-flow, due to the COVID-19 pandemic (4).

| (6) | The conditions and criteria under which containment measures can be lifted depend largely on data that are developing over time, among other things, on epidemiological data. It follows that a clear timeline for a de-confinement which will allow a full resumption of transport services and tourism is not yet available (5). |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The conditions and criteria under which containment measures can be lifted depend largely on data that are developing over time, among other things, on epidemiological data. It follows that a clear timeline for a de-confinement which will allow a full resumption of transport services and tourism is not yet available (5).

| (7) | Regulations (EC) No 261/2004 (6), (EC) No 1371/2007 (7), (EU) No 1177/2010 (8) and (EU) No 181/2011 (9) of the European Parliament and of the Council (‘the Union passenger rights Regulations’) provide for passenger rights in the event of cancellations. In the event of a cancellation by the carrier, passengers have the choice, to be offered to them by the carrier, between reimbursement (refund) and re-routing (10). As re-routing is hardly applicable under the present circumstances, the de facto choice is mainly between the various possibilities for reimbursement. |
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(7)

Regulations (EC) No 261/2004 (6), (EC) No 1371/2007 (7), (EU) No 1177/2010 (8) and (EU) No 181/2011 (9) of the European Parliament and of the Council (‘the Union passenger rights Regulations’) provide for passenger rights in the event of cancellations. In the event of a cancellation by the carrier, passengers have the choice, to be offered to them by the carrier, between reimbursement (refund) and re-routing (10). As re-routing is hardly applicable under the present circumstances, the de facto choice is mainly between the various possibilities for reimbursement.

| (8) | Reimbursement of the full cost of the ticket is due within 7 days following the passenger’s request in the cases of air, sea and inland waterways transport, 14 days after the offer has been made or the request has been received for bus and coach transport and 1 month after the request in the case of rail transport. Under the Union legislation, the reimbursement can be made in money or in the form of a voucher. However, reimbursement by means of a voucher is only possible if the passenger agrees (11). |
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(8)

Reimbursement of the full cost of the ticket is due within 7 days following the passenger’s request in the cases of air, sea and inland waterways transport, 14 days after the offer has been made or the request has been received for bus and coach transport and 1 month after the request in the case of rail transport. Under the Union legislation, the reimbursement can be made in money or in the form of a voucher. However, reimbursement by means of a voucher is only possible if the passenger agrees (11).

| (9) | Directive (EU) 2015/2302 of the European Parliament and of the Council (12) (‘the Package Travel Directive’) provides that, if a package trip is cancelled due to ‘unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances’, travellers have the right to get a full refund of any payments made for the package, without undue delay and in any event within 14 days after termination of the contract. In this context, the organiser may offer the traveller reimbursement in the form of a voucher. However, this possibility does not deprive the travellers of their right to reimbursement in money. |
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(9)

Directive (EU) 2015/2302 of the European Parliament and of the Council (12) (‘the Package Travel Directive’) provides that, if a package trip is cancelled due to ‘unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances’, travellers have the right to get a full refund of any payments made for the package, without undue delay and in any event within 14 days after termination of the contract. In this context, the organiser may offer the traveller reimbursement in the form of a voucher. However, this possibility does not deprive the travellers of their right to reimbursement in money.

| (10) | Similarly, where changes to a package travel contract (for example postponement) or a substitute package are proposed (13), and where those changes or the substitute package result in the traveller accepting a package of lower quality or cost (14) or terminating the contract (15), a voucher may also be offered by the organiser, provided that travellers are not deprived of their right to reimbursement in money. |
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(10)

Similarly, where changes to a package travel contract (for example postponement) or a substitute package are proposed (13), and where those changes or the substitute package result in the traveller accepting a package of lower quality or cost (14) or terminating the contract (15), a voucher may also be offered by the organiser, provided that travellers are not deprived of their right to reimbursement in money.

| (11) | On 18 March 2020, the Commission adopted Interpretative Guidelines on EU passenger rights Regulations in the context of the developing situation with COVID-19 (16). The Commission recalled that passengers have the choice between cash reimbursement and reimbursement in the form of a voucher. |
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(11)

On 18 March 2020, the Commission adopted Interpretative Guidelines on EU passenger rights Regulations in the context of the developing situation with COVID-19 (16). The Commission recalled that passengers have the choice between cash reimbursement and reimbursement in the form of a voucher.

| (12) | On 19 March 2020, informal guidance on the application of the Package Travel Directive in connection with COVID-19 has been published on the Commission’s website (17), confirming the traveller’s right to get a full refund, but also stating that it is possible for the traveller to accept a voucher. |
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(12)

On 19 March 2020, informal guidance on the application of the Package Travel Directive in connection with COVID-19 has been published on the Commission’s website (17), confirming the traveller’s right to get a full refund, but also stating that it is possible for the traveller to accept a voucher.

| (13) | The numerous cancellations entailed by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an unsustainable cash-flow and revenue situation for the transport and travel sectors. The liquidity problems of organisers are exacerbated by the fact that they have to reimburse the full price of the package to the traveller while they do not themselves always receive reimbursement of prepaid services that form part of the package in due time. This can de facto result in an unfair sharing of the burden among the operators in the travel eco-system. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The numerous cancellations entailed by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an unsustainable cash-flow and revenue situation for the transport and travel sectors. The liquidity problems of organisers are exacerbated by the fact that they have to reimburse the full price of the package to the traveller while they do not themselves always receive reimbursement of prepaid services that form part of the package in due time. This can de facto result in an unfair sharing of the burden among the operators in the travel eco-system.

| (14) | If organisers or carriers become insolvent, there is a risk that many travellers and passengers would not receive any refund at all, as their claims against organisers and carriers are not protected. The same problem may arise in a business-to-business context, where organisers receive a voucher as reimbursement for prepaid services from carriers, which later become insolvent. |
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(14)

If organisers or carriers become insolvent, there is a risk that many travellers and passengers would not receive any refund at all, as their claims against organisers and carriers are not protected. The same problem may arise in a business-to-business context, where organisers receive a voucher as reimbursement for prepaid services from carriers, which later become insolvent.

| (15) | Making vouchers more attractive, as an alternative to reimbursement in money, would increase their acceptance by passengers and travellers. This would help to ease the liquidity problems of carriers and organisers and could ultimately lead to better protection of the interests of passengers and travellers. |
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(15)

Making vouchers more attractive, as an alternative to reimbursement in money, would increase their acceptance by passengers and travellers. This would help to ease the liquidity problems of carriers and organisers and could ultimately lead to better protection of the interests of passengers and travellers.

| (16) | To that end, vouchers should be protected against insolvency of the carrier or of the organiser. Such protection could be set up by the private or the public sector, and should be sufficiently effective and robust. It should cover at least those vouchers that present the characteristics described in this Recommendation. |
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(16)

To that end, vouchers should be protected against insolvency of the carrier or of the organiser. Such protection could be set up by the private or the public sector, and should be sufficiently effective and robust. It should cover at least those vouchers that present the characteristics described in this Recommendation.

| (17) | Those characteristics should pertain notably to the minimum validity period, to the period of time after which, in the event of vouchers with a validity period longer than the minimum, travellers or passengers are entitled to reimbursement if they so wish, and to the conditions of reimbursement for vouchers that have not been redeemed. They should also pertain to the range of services for which the voucher can be used, to the time available for using the voucher and to its transferability. Additional characteristics may also be considered to increase the attractiveness of vouchers further. |
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(17)

Those characteristics should pertain notably to the minimum validity period, to the period of time after which, in the event of vouchers with a validity period longer than the minimum, travellers or passengers are entitled to reimbursement if they so wish, and to the conditions of reimbursement for vouchers that have not been redeemed. They should also pertain to the range of services for which the voucher can be used, to the time available for using the voucher and to its transferability. Additional characteristics may also be considered to increase the attractiveness of vouchers further.

| (18) | The issuance of a voucher in parallel to the chargeback under credit card schemes could ultimately lead to a form of double refund. Therefore, where the traveller or passenger opts for a voucher, the carrier should transmit that information to the organiser, travel agent or other intermediary. |
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(18)

The issuance of a voucher in parallel to the chargeback under credit card schemes could ultimately lead to a form of double refund. Therefore, where the traveller or passenger opts for a voucher, the carrier should transmit that information to the organiser, travel agent or other intermediary.

| (19) | With the aim of making vouchers attractive to passengers or travellers, Member States might consider the adoption of schemes to support operators in the travel and transport sectors in line with Union State aid rules. For example, they could set up dedicated guarantee schemes for vouchers directly based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty. In addition, Member States could support operators in the travel and transport sectors by granting de minimis aid in line with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013 (18). |
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(19)

With the aim of making vouchers attractive to passengers or travellers, Member States might consider the adoption of schemes to support operators in the travel and transport sectors in line with Union State aid rules. For example, they could set up dedicated guarantee schemes for vouchers directly based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty. In addition, Member States could support operators in the travel and transport sectors by granting de minimis aid in line with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013 (18).

| (20) | Member States that provide support to operators in the travel and transport sectors to ensure that reimbursement claims resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are satisfied, should ensure that such schemes apply to all passengers or travellers covered by the Package Travel Directive or the relevant Union passenger rights Regulations regardless of their service provider. |
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(20)

Member States that provide support to operators in the travel and transport sectors to ensure that reimbursement claims resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are satisfied, should ensure that such schemes apply to all passengers or travellers covered by the Package Travel Directive or the relevant Union passenger rights Regulations regardless of their service provider.

| (21) | As regards possible additional liquidity needs of operators in the travel and transport sectors, on 19 March 2020 the Commission adopted a Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 crisis (19) based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty to remedy a serious disturbance to the economy in the Member States. The Temporary Framework was amended on to cover additional aid measures, both on 3 April (20) and on 8 May 2020 (21). |
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(21)

As regards possible additional liquidity needs of operators in the travel and transport sectors, on 19 March 2020 the Commission adopted a Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 crisis (19) based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty to remedy a serious disturbance to the economy in the Member States. The Temporary Framework was amended on to cover additional aid measures, both on 3 April (20) and on 8 May 2020 (21).

| (22) | The Temporary Framework applies in principle to all sectors and undertakings including transport and travel undertakings and recognises transport and travel as being among the most affected sectors. It aims to remedy the liquidity shortages faced by companies by allowing for instance direct grants, tax advantages, State guarantees for loans and subsidised public loans. To address urgent liquidity needs in particular of small and medium-sized enterprises in a speedy manner, Member States may give, up to the nominal value of EUR 800 000 per company, zero-interest loans, guarantees on loans covering 100 % of the risk, or provide equity. In addition, the Temporary Framework provides for possibilities of aid covering liquidity needs beyond the EUR 800 000 per company in the form of guarantees and interest rate subsidies, subject to, inter alia, minimum pricing conditions. In this context, Member States may decide upon support to operators in the travel and transport sectors to ensure that reimbursement claims caused by the COVID-19 outbreak are satisfied with a view to ensuring the protection of passenger and consumer rights, and equal treatment of passengers and travellers. |
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(22)

The Temporary Framework applies in principle to all sectors and undertakings including transport and travel undertakings and recognises transport and travel as being among the most affected sectors. It aims to remedy the liquidity shortages faced by companies by allowing for instance direct grants, tax advantages, State guarantees for loans and subsidised public loans. To address urgent liquidity needs in particular of small and medium-sized enterprises in a speedy manner, Member States may give, up to the nominal value of EUR 800 000 per company, zero-interest loans, guarantees on loans covering 100 % of the risk, or provide equity. In addition, the Temporary Framework provides for possibilities of aid covering liquidity needs beyond the EUR 800 000 per company in the form of guarantees and interest rate subsidies, subject to, inter alia, minimum pricing conditions. In this context, Member States may decide upon support to operators in the travel and transport sectors to ensure that reimbursement claims caused by the COVID-19 outbreak are satisfied with a view to ensuring the protection of passenger and consumer rights, and equal treatment of passengers and travellers.

| (23) | In this context, the Commission will take account of decisions granting aid to the aviation sector already taken by Member States, to ensure that additional aid to the same beneficiaries does not result in overcompensation in view of the need to protect the level playing field in the internal market. |
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(23)

In this context, the Commission will take account of decisions granting aid to the aviation sector already taken by Member States, to ensure that additional aid to the same beneficiaries does not result in overcompensation in view of the need to protect the level playing field in the internal market.

| (24) | Finally, Member States may decide, following the bankruptcy of a carrier or organiser, to cover reimbursement claims of passengers or travellers. Such coverage of reimbursement claims would only benefit passengers or travellers and not undertakings. Therefore, it would not constitute State aid and can thus be implemented by Member States without prior approval of the Commission. |
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(24)

Finally, Member States may decide, following the bankruptcy of a carrier or organiser, to cover reimbursement claims of passengers or travellers. Such coverage of reimbursement claims would only benefit passengers or travellers and not undertakings. Therefore, it would not constitute State aid and can thus be implemented by Member States without prior approval of the Commission.

| (25) | The Commission stands ready to provide assistance and advice to Member States with regard to State aid policy issues in designing such measures. |
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(25)

The Commission stands ready to provide assistance and advice to Member States with regard to State aid policy issues in designing such measures.

| (26) | Member States and operators should be encouraged to consider the use of the Union schemes available to support undertakings’ activity and liquidity needs. |
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(26)

Member States and operators should be encouraged to consider the use of the Union schemes available to support undertakings’ activity and liquidity needs.

| (27) | In order to maximise the effects of this Recommendation, all interested parties should be informed about and encouraged to implement it, |
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(27)

In order to maximise the effects of this Recommendation, all interested parties should be informed about and encouraged to implement it,

HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:

SUBJECT MATTER

| 1. | This Recommendation concerns vouchers that carriers or organisers may propose to passengers or travellers, as an alternative to reimbursement in money, and subject to the passenger’s or traveller’s voluntary acceptance, in the following circumstances:






  (a) | in the event of a cancellation by the carrier or organiser made as from 1 March 2020 for reasons linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of the following provisions:






  (1) | Article 8(1)(a) read in combination with Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004; |
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1.

(a)

in the event of a cancellation by the carrier or organiser made as from 1 March 2020 for reasons linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of the following provisions:

(1)

Article 8(1)(a) read in combination with Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004;

| (2) | Article 16(a) read in combination with Article 17(2) and (3) of Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007; |
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(2)

Article 16(a) read in combination with Article 17(2) and (3) of Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007;

| (3) | Article 19(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010; |
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(3)

Article 19(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010;

| (4) | Article 18(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 181/2011; |
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(4)

Article 18(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 181/2011;

| (5) | Articles 12(3) and (4) of Directive (EU) 2015/2302; |
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(5)

Articles 12(3) and (4) of Directive (EU) 2015/2302;

| (b) | in the event of changes to the contract or terminations, taking place from 1 March 2020 for reasons linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of Article 11(4) and (5) of Directive (EU) 2015/2302. |
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(b)

in the event of changes to the contract or terminations, taking place from 1 March 2020 for reasons linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of Article 11(4) and (5) of Directive (EU) 2015/2302.

PROTECTION AGAINST INSOLVENCY

| 2. | In order to contribute to making vouchers an attractive and reliable alternative to reimbursement in money, at least vouchers presenting the characteristics described in points 3 to 12 should be covered by protection against insolvency of the carrier or of the organiser that is sufficiently effective and robust. |
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2.

RECOMMENDED CHARACTERISTICS OF VOUCHERS

| 3. | Vouchers should have a minimum validity period of 12 months.
  Subject to point 5, carriers and organisers should automatically reimburse the amount of the voucher concerned to the passenger or traveller at the latest 14 days after the end of its validity period, if the voucher has not been redeemed. This also applies to the reimbursement of the remaining amount of the voucher concerned in the case of previous partial redemption. |
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3.

Subject to point 5, carriers and organisers should automatically reimburse the amount of the voucher concerned to the passenger or traveller at the latest 14 days after the end of its validity period, if the voucher has not been redeemed. This also applies to the reimbursement of the remaining amount of the voucher concerned in the case of previous partial redemption.

| 4. | If vouchers have a validity period longer than 12 months, passengers and travellers should have the right to ask for reimbursement in money no later than 12 months after the issuance of the voucher concerned. They should have the same right at any moment thereafter subject to applicable legal provisions on time limitation.
  Carriers and organisers could consider making vouchers refundable at a point in time earlier than 12 months after the issuance of the voucher concerned if the passenger or traveller so requests. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Carriers and organisers could consider making vouchers refundable at a point in time earlier than 12 months after the issuance of the voucher concerned if the passenger or traveller so requests.

| 5. | Passengers and travellers should be able to use vouchers for payments in respect of all new bookings made before their expiry date even if the payment or the service takes place after that date. |
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5.

| 6. | Passengers and travellers should be able to use the vouchers towards payment for any transport services or package travel offered by the carrier or organiser (22). |
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6.

| 7. | Subject to availability and irrespective of any fare or price difference,






  — | carriers should ensure that vouchers allow passengers to travel on the same route under the same service conditions as detailed in the original booking; |
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7.

—

carriers should ensure that vouchers allow passengers to travel on the same route under the same service conditions as detailed in the original booking;

| — | organisers should ensure that vouchers allow travellers to book a package travel contract with the same type of services or of equivalent quality as the terminated package.– |
| --- | --- |

—

organisers should ensure that vouchers allow travellers to book a package travel contract with the same type of services or of equivalent quality as the terminated package.–

| 8. | Carriers and organisers should consider extending the possibility to use the vouchers for bookings with other entities that form part of the same group of companies. |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Where the cancelled transport service or package travel was booked through a travel agency or other intermediary, carriers and organisers should allow vouchers to be used for new bookings also through the same travel agency or other intermediary. |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Vouchers for transport services should be transferable to another passenger without any additional cost. Vouchers for package travel should also be transferable to another traveller without any additional cost, if the providers of the services included in the package agree to the transfer without any additional cost. |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | In order to make vouchers more attractive, organisers and carriers could consider issuing vouchers with a higher value than the amount of any payments made for the package travel or transport service originally booked, for example through an additional lump sum or additional service elements. |
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11.

| 12. | Vouchers should indicate their validity period and specify all the rights attached to them. They should be issued on a durable medium (23), such as email or paper. |
| --- | --- |

12.

COOPERATION BETWEEN STAKEHOLDERS

| 13. | If the passenger has booked the transport service through a travel agency or other intermediary, or if the transport service was part of a package travel, the carrier should inform the travel agency, the intermediary or the organiser where the passenger or traveller opts for a voucher. |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | The different economic operators in the transport and travel value chain should cooperate in good faith and strive towards a fair sharing of the burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| --- | --- |

14.

SUPPORTING MEASURES

State aid

| 15. | Member States may decide whether to introduce specific schemes to provide support to operators in the transport and travel sectors to ensure that reimbursement claims caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are satisfied, and may decide on the timing and the type of measures that they wish to put in place. When designing such schemes, Member States should ensure that they benefit all passengers or travellers regardless of their service provider. |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | With a view to limiting the negative impacts on passengers or travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Member States should actively consider setting up guarantee schemes for vouchers to ensure that in the event of insolvency of the issuer of the voucher, passengers or travellers are reimbursed.
  To the extent that such guarantee schemes reduce the financial risk for passengers or travellers in accepting vouchers and increase the likelihood that they opt for such vouchers instead of reimbursement in money, and thereby improving the operators’ liquidity position, the measures provide an advantage to the operators concerned in the form of liquidity relief and constitute State aid.
  Such measures would not be covered by the scope of the Temporary Framework, but can be notified by Member States directly under Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty and be the subject of an individual assessment. In that assessment the Commission would accept that the State guarantee covers 100 % of the value of vouchers to ensure full protection of all passengers and travellers, whilst taking into account other relevant provisions of section 3.2 of the Temporary Framework (24) to ensure proportionality of the aid. |
| --- | --- |

16.

To the extent that such guarantee schemes reduce the financial risk for passengers or travellers in accepting vouchers and increase the likelihood that they opt for such vouchers instead of reimbursement in money, and thereby improving the operators’ liquidity position, the measures provide an advantage to the operators concerned in the form of liquidity relief and constitute State aid.

Such measures would not be covered by the scope of the Temporary Framework, but can be notified by Member States directly under Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty and be the subject of an individual assessment. In that assessment the Commission would accept that the State guarantee covers 100 % of the value of vouchers to ensure full protection of all passengers and travellers, whilst taking into account other relevant provisions of section 3.2 of the Temporary Framework (24) to ensure proportionality of the aid.

| 17. | Where operators in the travel and transport sectors are in need of general liquidity support, Member States may also decide to put in place schemes to provide them with liquidity support. Where such support is not granted under market conditions, it may involve State aid and should be notified to the Commission.
  The Temporary Framework provides a basis for compatibility for such liquidity support, enabling operators in the travel and transport sectors inter alia to receive such support in the form of public guarantees or subsidised loans to cover their actual liquidity needs for periods, subject to due justification, of 18 months for SMEs and 12 months for large enterprises (25). |
| --- | --- |

17.

The Temporary Framework provides a basis for compatibility for such liquidity support, enabling operators in the travel and transport sectors inter alia to receive such support in the form of public guarantees or subsidised loans to cover their actual liquidity needs for periods, subject to due justification, of 18 months for SMEs and 12 months for large enterprises (25).

| 18. | Member States may decide, following the bankruptcy of a carrier or organiser, to cover reimbursement claims of passengers or travellers,
  To the extent that the reimbursement takes place after the liquidation process and, thus, does not provide liquidity relief to the travel or transport operator – who would no longer carry out an economic activity – but rather benefits passengers or travellers only, such reimbursement does not involve State aid. Schemes of this nature can thus be implemented by Member States without prior Commission approval. |
| --- | --- |

18.

To the extent that the reimbursement takes place after the liquidation process and, thus, does not provide liquidity relief to the travel or transport operator – who would no longer carry out an economic activity – but rather benefits passengers or travellers only, such reimbursement does not involve State aid. Schemes of this nature can thus be implemented by Member States without prior Commission approval.

Support for SMEs under the European Investment Fund

| 19. | The Commission recommends that Member States encourage financial intermediaries to consider using COVID-19 support under the COSME Loan Guarantee Facility, launched by the European Investment Fund and the European Commission, and other similar schemes launched by the European Investment Bank Group. Under those schemes, dedicated lines of liquidity and working capital to SMEs/mid-caps can be used to address companies’ liquidity needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic including to reimburse cancelled tickets. |
| --- | --- |

19.

The Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative

| 20. | The Commission recommends that Member States consider using support for working capital for travel and transport industry SMEs in the context of the additional flexibility provided under Union cohesion policy by the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative. In this context, working capital to SMEs can be used to address companies’ liquidity needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic including costs linked to cancellations. |
| --- | --- |

20.

PROMOTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS RECOMMENDATION

| 21. | Consumer and passenger organisations at Union and national level should encourage travellers and passengers to accept, instead of reimbursement in money, vouchers that present the characteristics, and benefit from the insolvency protection, described in this Recommendation. |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Business, consumer and passenger organisations at Union and national level, and Member States authorities, including their national enforcement bodies, should contribute to informing all parties concerned about this Recommendation and cooperate towards its implementation. |
| --- | --- |

22.

Done at Brussels, 13 May 2020.

For the Commission

Adina VĂLEAN

Member of the Commission

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(1)  https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen

1

(2)  According to the UNWTO, 96 % of global destinations impose travel restrictions (see UNWTO, COVID-19 related travel restrictions – a global review for tourism, a first report as of 16 April 2020).

2

(3)  The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) recorded in April 2020 the strongest monthly decline in the ESI on record (since 1985), dropping to 67,0 and 65,8 for the Euro area and the Union, respectively. The Employment Expectations Indicator (EEI) declined in April 2020 to its lowest level on record (63,7 in the Euro area and 63,3 in the Union). See https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/indicators-statistics/economic-databases/business-and-consumer-surveys/latest-business-and-consumer-surveys_en

3

(4)  For example, approximately – 90 % of air traffic compared to a year ago (Source: Eurocontrol), – 85 % long-distance rail passenger service, – 80 % on regional rail passenger services (including sub-urban), near standstill on international rail passenger services (Source: CER); more than – 90 % for cruise and passenger ships in mid-April compared to a year ago (Source: EMSA).

4

(5)  See Joint European Roadmap towards lifting COVID-19 containment measures of 15 April 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/health/coronavirus-response/european-roadmap-lifting-coronavirus-containment-measures_en

5

(6)  Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 295/91 (OJ L 46, 17.2.2004, p. 1).

6

(7)  Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on rail passengers’ rights and obligations (OJ L 315, 3.12.2007, p. 14).

7

(8)  Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 (OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 1).

8

(9)  Regulation (EU) No 181/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 (OJ L 55 28.2.2011, p. 1).

9

(10)  Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004; Article 16 (1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007; Article 18 (1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010; Article 19 (1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 181/2011.

10

(11)  Article 7(3) of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004; Article 16 (1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007; Article 18 (1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010; Article 19 (1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 181/2011.

11

(12)  Directive (EU) 2015/2302 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on package travel and linked travel arrangements, amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 90/314/EEC (OJ L 326, 11.12.2015, p. 1).

12

(13)  See Article 11 of the Package Travel Directive.

13

(14)  See Article 11(4) of the Package Travel Directive.

14

(15)  See Article 11(5) of the Package Travel Directive.

15

(16)  
  OJ C 89I, 18.3.2020, p. 1.

16

(17)  https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/coronavirus_info_ptd_19.3.2020.pdf, published on the Commission’s COVID-19 response website https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/health/coronavirus-response/travel-and-transportation_en

17

(18)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013 of 18 December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid (OJ L 352, 24.12.2013, p. 1).

18

(19)  Communication from the Commission - Temporary framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak (OJ C 91I, 20.3.2020, p. 1).

19

(20)  Communication from the Commission – Amendment to the Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak (OJ C 112I, 4.4.2020, p. 1).

20

(21)  Communication from the Commission – Amendment to the Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak (OJ C 164, 13.5.2020, p. 3).

21

(22)  It is recalled that the rights rendered mandatory by Article 16(a) in combination with Article 17(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 and Article 18(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010 apply in any event.

22

(23)  
  ‘Durable medium’ is defined in Article 3(11) of the Package Travel Directive as ‘any instrument which enables the traveller or the trader to store information addressed personally to him in a way accessible for future reference for a period of time adequate for the purposes of the information and which allows the unchanged reproduction of the information stored’.

23

(24)  Section 3.2 of the Temporary Framework allows for the granting of public guarantees on loans for a limited period.

24

(25)  Points 25.d and 27.d of the Temporary Framework.

25

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